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Questions & Forms /  Bail

Where can I get a bail form?


How do I post a bail?

  • Bail must be posted at the facility where the defendant is being held.  You may contact the Amherst Police Department at (716) 689-1311 or the Erie County Holding Center at (716) 858-7636. Do not lose your bail receipt.  It is your only proof of bail posted.

What is the purpose of bail?

  • The defendant you are bailing out must report to court on the adjourned date and time written on the bail receipt.

What if the Defendant doesn’t show up for court?

  • If the defendant fails to appear, a warrant will be issued for his/her arrest and bail money may be forfeited.

Will I receive all of my bail money back?

  • All bail money posted is subject to a 3 percent fee authorized by section 99-M of the New York State General Municipal Law.

When can I get my bail money back?

  • Bail money will be returned when the case has been completed.

How do I make arrangements for the return of my bail money?

  • When the case is completed, contact the court bail office at (716) 689-4215 to arrange for your return. It can take 7-10 working days before the bail money is available for return from the court. 
  • Only the person who posted the bail can pick up the return from the court and he/she must have proper identification.  Your bail receipt will be collected at this time.
  • To avoid an unnecessary trip, be sure to call the bail office at (716) 689-4215 to make arrangements before arriving at the courthouse to pick up your bail money.

Can fines be paid from my bail money?

  • Only the person who posted the bail can sign the funds over for the payment of fines.  This can be done at the courthouse or you can print the attached form, fill it out completely and mail it to the court along with a copy of your photo ID.

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

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The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

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Get in Touch

  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221